IT S finally arrived! Performers from around the world are about to join artists from each corner of Britain at Hitchin for Rhythms of The World 2006. As most people know it s a rather loud and colourful event and is jam-packed full of little surprises. I

IT'S finally arrived! Performers from around the world are about to join artists from each corner of Britain at Hitchin for Rhythms of The World 2006.

As most people know it's a rather loud and colourful event and is jam-packed full of little surprises.

In preparation for the big weekend, Bob Mardon, the man behind the whole shindig, said a few words about the event.

"At the moment, touch wood, all the preparations seem to be going pretty well. It's a massive task and each year our team gains new skills as we expand the scope of the festival, as health and safety legislation gets more demanding and as we try to reach even higher levels of professionalism.

"This year the fringe festival has really taken off mainly due to the efforts of Michelle Roberts, a new recruit to our team of volunteers who has been working with the licensees and proprietors of lots of venues around the town to help them book a full programme of acts.

"We are very happy indeed that there are now so many venues joining the festivities, the whole idea of Rhythms is for the whole community to celebrate and explore the wonderful array of talents on our doorstep, so to have so much going on just shows us what a talented community we live in."

Bob and the other organisers ask that people coming to the festival this weekend follow the Rhythms code:

1) Enjoy the unusual each day of the festival.

2) Respect the town of Hitchin for hosting the festival.

3) Take personal responsibility for your rubbish.

4) Do not bring glass with you into the town.

5) Show your appreciation.

6) Leave your car at home.